Whiplash After Car Accident: Should You See a Chiropractor?

Common Causes of Whiplash That a Chiropractor Can Address

Many people associate whiplash with car accidents since this single type of injury affects 83% of those involved in collisions. The sudden impact of your car slamming into another vehicle or object can quickly jolt your neck and upper body forward and then jerk it back again. As a result, your muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissue overstretch and then cause extreme pain or stiffness in the hours or even weeks that follow.

You may walk away from a minor accident thinking you’re fine, only for whiplash symptoms to arise later. Surprisingly, Rush University Medical Center’s research reports that many of the car accidents that produce whiplash injuries happen at slow speeds (five to ten miles per hour!). The severity of these injuries also boils down to whether the drivers and passengers are following car safety rules, such as wearing seat belts.

While it’s extremely common to experience whiplash after car accidents, other causes could include the following events:

• Falling
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Injuries from contact sports like boxing or football

Regardless of why you have whiplash, seeing a chiropractor can help your body work out the pain and stiffness as you recover.

Chiropractic Care For The Symptoms of Whiplash and More

How can you tell if you’re suffering from whiplash after a car accident? The most common symptoms people report are severe pain and stiffness in the neck and back. Less common symptoms include the following:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Pain in the shoulders, arms, legs, hands, or feet
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears

All these symptoms pertain to whiplash-associated disorders, including concussions. A study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that 45% of all reported concussions in the United States stem from motor vehicle accidents. Failing to seek treatment after a car accident could result in long-term disability or chronic pain disorders.

How Experienced Whiplash Chiropractors Treat Related Pain

Anyone experiencing the symptoms of whiplash after a car accident can benefit from seeing a licensed chiropractor for their injuries. These healthcare experts specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system, using a holistic medicine approach to relieve pain and discomfort. 

Chiropractors treat whiplash in a few steps as follows: 

Confirm Diagnosis

Many patients experiencing whiplash symptoms will try to heal on their own with over-the-counter pain medications, rest, and cervical collars. However, getting an official diagnosis from a medical professional is extremely important if you don’t want to miss more severe issues.

The process will look something like this:

• Arrive for an appointment with a chiropractor.
• Share your health history.
• Undergo a physical exam.
• Have imaging tests to reach a diagnosis (X-ray and MRI images allow them to pinpoint sites of the cervical spine with the most damage).

From here, the chiropractor will create a personalized plan for pain relief and treating your injuries.

Perform Chiropractic Adjustment

During the chiropractor’s initial exam, they will ask you to perform simple movements to gauge your range of motion. With diagnostic imaging, these movements are key for performing chiropractic adjustments, a combination of pressure and swift movements to realign parts of the spine.

Chiropractic adjustments relieve the symptoms of whiplash after car accidents by stretching soft tissue around your neck and back and releasing any compression. According to England’s National Health Service, it takes two to three months on average to fully recover from whiplash this way. So, your chiropractor will recommend regular adjustments until you fully heal.

Recommend Supplemental Treatments

Some patients will feel better within a week. However, in severe cases, car crash survivors need additional treatments to overcome the whiplash symptoms. Chiropractors can recommend a variety of non-surgical treatments if you’re recovering from an auto accident, such as:

• Acupuncture therapy
• Physical therapy
• Soft tissue or massage therapies
• Muscle stimulation

These holistic practices not only alleviate your neck and back pain but also improve your muscle strength and mobility. Combining these treatments with chiropractic care can help you recover from whiplash much faster.

Professional Chiropractor for Whiplash

Injured Call Today helps you find comprehensive rehabilitative services, including chiropractic care, acupuncture therapy, and physical therapy. These healthcare specialists understand how whiplash disrupts daily life, and the personalized treatment plans can help you recover from whiplash after a car accident in just the way your body needs.

Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Call (800) 897-8440 to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor today. Same-day appointments may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should You See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?

You should see a chiropractor within 48 to 72 hours of an accident or injury; the sooner, the better.

Can Chiropractors Only Treat Neck or Back Pain? 

No, chiropractors treat pain throughout the joints, not only neck or back pain. The pain may radiate to your hips, shoulders, or limbs if your injury involves the cervical spine. 

How Often Should You See a Chiropractor for Whiplash After Car Accidents?

You should see a chiropractor for whiplash after a car accident at least two to three times a week. Sessions become less frequent as your spine and muscles begin to heal.

Physical therapy and chiropractic care help you regain strength and mobility, so don’t wait long to see a professional about your whiplash after car accidents and other physical trauma events.